Edible insects, a protein solution for Madagascar

Last March I requested your input regarding whether we should continue the insects for food program, a program close to my heart.  I greatly appreciate those who responded.  Your consensus was that we should try to continue “insects for food” but only if we could somehow make it separate from the work in which the team is engaged. I can say that the team continues to be almost overwhelmed making textiles – that is a good thing - and the advent of several new partnerships (to be announced in the future) will result in a production scale-up. You suggested that we need a new team that focuses on insects for food alone.  I think that is a great idea and I am working on it. We need to do a bit of background research and that will take time.  

 Here is my idea:  as part of the silk program, we have increased our purchases of cocoons spun by Bombyx mori. Hanta Ravaoarinoro is a new team member who lives in the Tana area and has been working to organize our Bombyx farmers network. My plan is to find someone who is willing to travel with her to visit farmers and ask them if they are willing to share data such as what is the cost of Bombyx pupae sold on local market; how many of the pupae are eaten by farmers and family members; is there a market to sell more Bombyx pupae if production was increased; is the market for pupae more valuable or bigger than the market for silk cocoons. Unforutnately hiring someone new wil requrie more money and our current employees are asking for raises - its a tough life.

Hopefully my next report will have some feedback from farmers nad news about new investments..

 If you have any suggestions or ideas, let me know:  craig@cpali.org

Links:

• Project site
• Project market site